How to Square Up Hourglass & Pinwheel Blocks: No special ruler required!

This post is a supplementary tutorial for the Shortcut Block Calculator.

When using the shortcut methods to make Hourglass and Pinwheel blocks, you often have to "square up" the block to the correct size you need. If these blocks are not squared up properly, you will end up with very wonky looking squares that will only be good for the scrap pile.

In this post, I'll show you a simple method for squaring up Hourglass and Pinwheel blocks that doesn't require a special ruler.

MATERIALS

•  Square quilt ruler at least 8" x 8".

•  Rotary cutter

•  Masking tape or transparent quilt ruler tape.

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Divide the desired block size in half, e.g. 4½"÷ 2 = 2¼"

2.  Find this number on the ruler.

3.  Place a piece of tape horizontally and vertically on the ruler to mark the center of the block.
4.  Line up intersecting point of the tape with the center of the block.
5.  Line up the 45º angle with angle of the block.

6.  With a rotary cutter, cut off the exposed ends of the block.

7.  Turn the ruler and block 180º.

8.  Once again, line up the halfway point with the center of the block.

9.  With a rotary cutter, cut off the exposed ends of the block.

Follow these same steps with the Pinwheel and Half Square Triangle.

Introducing My SHORTCUT BLOCK CALCULATORS

I love using quilt block shortcuts but my brain really doesn't do well with numbers. So, I started looking for an easier way to get the measurements for my parent squares without the hassle of math. At first, I thought of having an app made but that would run somewhere around $20,000!! I finally decided to make the calculators online. They are so easy to use and I get my results instantly!!

After tweaking them and making them pretty, I'm now offering my calculators for free to anyone visiting my blog.

To start using the Shortcut Block Calculators, press the ad on the sidebar to the right or get the link HERE. Enjoy!

I'm published! Quilted Wall Hangings: 11 unique projects for quilt lovers

I've been published! Check out my modern quilt wall hanging, Coral Gem. It was published in the new Leisure Arts book Quilted Wall Hangings - 11 Unique Projects for Quilt Lovers. Get your copy today!

BUY NOW!

How to make bag straps with quilt batting

"Apple Cider Market Tote" aka "Winslow Market Tote"

I first saw this tote pattern in the 2018 issue of Make It! Patchwork. It was designed by Kathy Mack and was showcased on the Quilting Arts TV Episode #601. It was originally featured as the Winslow Market Tote and has since been renamed the Apple Cider Market Tote. The pattern can be purchased HERE.

I haven't made many bags, but I fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it. I wasn't sure, however, what fabrics to use for it. When I finally dug through my stash, I found the perfect fat quarters for this tote ─ Into the Garden by Amanda Herring for Riley Blake. I bought this fat quarter bundle several years ago and loved it so much I didn't want to cut it!

I also wanted to make pretty matching straps for this project, but I wasn't sure how to make bag straps. I heard you could use quilt batting for straps and thought that this would be a great way to use up my batting scraps. After a YouTube search, I found the perfect tutorial for making bag straps with batting by sewing and crafting vlogger Alanda Craft. She uses fusible batting but says non-fusible works just as well. I think my straps turned out great.

BAG STRAP INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: All images below are from the Alanda Craft Video Quick and Easy Tote Bag Handle Tutorial

1. Cut [2] fabric strips 5" x length of the strap and [2] quilt batting strips 2½" x length of the strap.

2. Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise and press.

3. Make a lengthwise fold to the center of the strip on both sides and press.

4. Place batting in the center of the strip.

5. Fold each side of the fabric over onto the batting and press.

6. Fold the fabric and batting in half lengthwise and press.

7. To finish off your strap, stitch along both edges using a 1/8" or 1/4" allowance (Version 1). I find the strap is a little stronger if you add three more rows of stitching equally down the center. (Version 2).

NEW PATTERN! Round Table Placemat

Round Table Placemat Patterns 

Buy now at my PATTERN STORE

If you have a round table for your home, why not make a few of these elegant-looking "round" placemats. They fit beautifully on a 42 inch and up dining table. I think they look much nicer on a round table than the traditional rectangle placemats. The pattern includes instructions for all three placemats shown below!

The placemat patterns come in three styles: a reversible, seven-wedge, and nine-wedge placemat. All the templates are full page printable. These placemats are also very simple to make.

Christmas dinner for two.

How to Make French Fold Binding

French Fold binding is one of the most popular quilt bindings and for good reason. Because the fabric is doubled, French Fold binding creates a durable edge for your quilt. It's particularly good for quilts and quilted items that are going to get a lot of laundering. It's a very simple binding to make. I use it on all my quilt projects. If you want to add a little flair to your French Fold binding, see my tutorial on French Fold Flange binding.

HOW TO MAKE FRENCH FOLD BINDING

1)  CALCULATE THE LENGTH OF BINDING YOU WILL NEED

Finished quilt size = 54" × 60"
• (54" × 2) + (60" × 2) + 10" = 238" (10" extra is added for finishing the binding).
• (238" ÷ 36") = 6.6 yards
• You will need 6.6 ≈ 7 yards of binding for a 54" × 60" finished quilt.

Use this Binding Calculator to get your binding length quicker.

2)  DETERMINE THE FINISHED BINDING WIDTH

Decide on the binding width you need, then refer to the chart below to get the correct overall strip width for that binding. Important Note: When choosing a binding width, keep in mind your batting loft.

3)  CALCULATE HOW MANY STRIPS YOU WILL NEED TO CUT BASED ON YOUR FABRIC WIDTH

EXAMPLE:  
238" (length of binding needed in inches) ÷ 42" (fabric cross grain width) = 5.6 ≈ 6 strips

4) CALCULATE THE YARDAGE YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE FOR YOUR STRIPS

EXAMPLE:
2.5" (strip width) x 6 (number of strips needed) = 15" + 2" = 17" (2 inches is added to allow for possible uneven edges). Yardage Needed: 17" x 42"

5)  HOW TO MAKE THE BINDING

6)  HOW TO ATTACH THE BINDING TO YOUR QUILT

How to Make Flange Quilt Binding

I love flange quilt binding. It gives quilts an elegant and finished look. I don't use it on all my projects, but sometimes a quilt needs that extra pop. Flange binding takes a little extra work, but it's well worth the effort when you see the finished result.

I made the following tutorial as comprehensive as possible and hope it will help you give flange binding a try.

INSTRUCTIONS

1) CALCULATE THE LENGTH OF BINDING YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR QUILT

EXAMPLE: 

Finished quilt size = 54" × 60"
•  (54" × 2) + (60" × 2) + 10" = 238" (10" extra is added for finishing the binding).

•  (238" ÷ 36") = 6.6 yards

•  You will need 6.6 ≈ 7 yards of binding for a 54" × 60" finished quilt.

Use this Binding Calculator to get your binding length quicker.

2)  WIDTHS TO CUT FOR FLANGE AND MAIN COLOUR STRIPS

1. Decide on a binding width and refer to the chart below to get the correct overall strip width for that binding. Important Note: When choosing a binding width, keep in mind your batting loft.
2. Using the overall strip width, use the chart below to get widths to cut for the main colour strips and the flange strips.

Calculations for main and flange strip widths

Main: Half the overall strip width.

Flange: Half the overall strip width plus 1/4" (This gives you a 1/8" flange).

3) CALCULATE HOW MANY STRIPS TO CUT BASED ON YOUR FABRIC WIDTH

EXAMPLE:
238" (length of binding in inches) ÷ 42" (fabric cross grain width) = 5.6 ≈ 6 strips

4) CALCULATE THE YARDAGE NEEDED FOR YOUR STRIPS

EXAMPLE: 

Main Strips

• 1.25" x 6 (number of strips needed) = 7.5" + 2" = 9.5" (Add 2" for uneven edges). 

• Yardage needed for main colour strips: 9.5" x 42"

EXAMPLE:

Flange Strips

• 1.5" x 6 (number of strips needed) = 9" + 2" = 11" (Add 2" for uneven edges).

• Yardage needed for flange strips: 11" x 42"

5)  HOW TO MAKE THE BINDING

6) HOW TO ATTACH THE BINDING

NEW PATTERN! Garden Breeze Table Runner

Here is my newest table runner pattern, Garden Breeze, just in time for summer. I designed this project using the half-hexagon whirligig block in floral prints. The whirligig block is a traditional favourite and so simple to foundation piece. Anyone new to foundation piecing will love making this table runner.

Garden Breeze Table Runner

Buy now at my PATTERN STORE

My hubby loves to garden. We don't have a big yard, but he turned it into a little piece of heaven. This is the pond that we put in a few years ago.

Photo by Monica Curry

Here is Teddy taking a dip in the pond to cool off. This little guy is a real character!

Photo by Monica Curry

NEW PATTERN! Easter Blessings Banner

Easter is coming up quick and I was so glad to get this beautiful pattern Easter Blessings launched before the celebrations. This is a very simple project if you have basic skills in foundation paper piecing. The optional tabs are a nice touch to create a banner for your home or church.

Easter Blessings Banner

Buy now at my PATTERN STORE

TOP 10 favourite things in my studio . . .

Like most of you, my studio had humble beginnings but over time evolved into a creative sanctuary. As in any good studio, there are special items that keep me inspired, grounded, and working efficiently. In no special order, these are the Top 10 things in my studio I would never part with.

1.  MY ART QUILT ON THE QUILTING ARTS MAGAZINE COVER

This framed Quilting Arts magazine cover featuring one of my art quilts helps to remind me that hard work and perseverance can pay off and that even though I've created some epic fails, I've also created some beautiful work that others can appreciate.

In 2012 my art quilt Mother Ship was selected to be published for the Quilting Arts magazine Readers Challenge. I was even more excited when I was told my art was going to be on the front cover of the magazine. The Readers Challenge was to create an art quilt interpreting the phrase "What If." Being a UFO/alien buff, I wondered "What if I saw a UFO over my house?" and I created a piece with a UFO floating over a row of suburban homes. If you're also fascinated by all things extraterrestrial, download my FREE UFO quilt block HERE

2.  FOLD DOWN MINI IRONING BOARD

I used to use a TV table ironing board next to my sewing machine for small pressing jobs. However, I found it to be a real pain to move around when I didn't need it, and the legs would get caught in the electrical cords. So, I came up with a solution that works great for me. I took the legs off the ironing board and attached it to the wall with folding shelf brackets. It sits next to my sewing machine and is so convenient! When I don't need it I can fold it down out of the way and there are no legs getting tangled in the cords below.

I didn't make a tutorial for this project, but I found a helpful video on YouTube for attaching the table and brackets to the wall. If you want to give this project a try be sure to either hit a stud or use a strong screw anchor aka wall plug when attaching the folding bracket to drywall. I attached two boards to the wall and then attached the table brackets to these. There are many other options for making a folding wall table on Pinterest but I used folding brackets because I didn't want any obstructions under the table.

3.  WOODEN SEWING SCISSORS

My husband is an intarsia artist and not long ago we put our heads together to make this sewing room decor project. I designed the pattern for the scissors and my husband put it together. You can buy the intarsia pattern for these scissors HERE

4.  WOODEN INTARSIA SEWING MACHINE

This is another combined effort by my husband and me. Again, I designed the pattern and he built it. I think it turned out so cute! I am not sure if I'll be selling this pattern, but if I do I'll be sure to let you know. We used a small nail to represent the sewing machine needle and a vintage wooden spool cut in half for the thread. How cool is that?

How to sort and cut fabric scraps for nine-patch scrap blocks

A year ago, I posted a tutorial for sorting fabric scraps. I decided to supplement that post with a quick tutorial for cutting fabric scrap squares for 9-patch blocks. Because of their versatility, 9-patch blocks are great for making scrap quilts.  Below are only a few 9-patch blocks you can make with scraps.

YOU WILL NEED

• A good assortment of quilt cotton fabric scraps
• Iron and ironing board
• Rotary cutter (have fresh blades available)
• 6" x 12" and/or 8" x 8" quilt ruler

SORTING and CUTTING YOUR SCRAP STASH

1. Instructions are for cutting square sizes 5", 3.5" and 2". (Optional squares sizes are 1.5" and 2.5").

2. Separate your scraps into individual colours: yellow, orange, purple, red, etc. This is a very important step. You don't want to have to sort little 2-inch squares by colour, trust me!

3. Sort scraps by size. Smallest scraps for 2" squares. Medium scraps for 3-1/2" squares. Large scraps for 5" squares.

4.  Press all the scraps before cutting. A quick way to do this is to layer about 4 to 6 pieces and steam press.

5.  Before cutting squares, stack several pieces and line up the top right corner.

6.  Line up your ruler about 1/4" away from the top right corner of the fabrics and trim.

7.  Rotate the fresh cut corner to the lower left. Line up your square size at the corner and trim. If some of the offcuts are large enough, cut squares from these as well.

STORING YOUR SQUARES

Store your squares neatly according to colour. Over time you'll accumulate a lot of squares, so finding the right box for them is a good idea. I normally use plastic bins from Dollarama. The container below is a cookie tray from Costco. Use whatever works.

2-inch squares storage option

A variety of square sizes neatly stored, but not colour sorted :(

MAKING SPECIALTY BLOCKS FOR A NINE PATCH QUILT

Nine patch scrap quilts don't have to be made from only squares. Below are simple techniques for making additional blocks from your squares that will jazz up your scrap quilt.